BroSides with the Vedalas: PCOS to PMOS

The hosts discuss a recent proposal to rename polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), arguing the new name better reflects the condition's endocrine and metabolic roots rather than implying it's solely an ovarian problem. They note the diagnostic criteria (Rotterdam) remain unchanged; the rename is mainly semantic and aimed at improving understanding for patients and clinicians.

They highlight clinical implications: PMOS underscores insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and associated cardiometabolic risks (prediabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension). Current treatments—lifestyle change, metformin, anti-androgens—would remain relevant, but the rename could support broader acceptance of metabolic therapies (e.g., GLP-1 agonists) and influence insurance coverage when PMOS is listed as a comorbidity.

Finally, the hosts emphasize the consensus-driven process behind the change, predict it will take time to be adopted in practice and coding (ICD-10), and view the rename positively for patient education and clinical recognition. They encourage providers to lead adoption and note patients are already discussing the change online.